Conquering Sugar Cravings
Sugar cravings are very common, and are the biggest hindrance to losing weight. Not only does excess sugar in the diet cause blood sugar problems it increases fat storage in the body as well. A sugar detox program can help reduce and eliminate sugar from your diet. It is not all that complex; simple changes can go a long way in improving your health. Let’s take a look at ten steps that help with eliminating sugar cravings.
1. Get sugar and sugar products out of your cupboards:
You munch on something sugary only when you have it easily available in your cupboard or fridge. Remove those chocolates, lollies, biscuits and other munches that you have stored in there. Instead, stock up on healthy alternatives including raw veggie sticks, nuts, hummus etc.
2. Eat healthy protein at each meal and snack:
Include lentils, cottage cheese, eggs, lean meat, fish or other healthy sources of protein in your diet. Sugar cravings are often associated with blood sugar imbalance, caused by eating too many high GI carbohydrates (from refined foods) and not enough quality protein and fat. Include healthy sources of protein to offset sugar cravings.
3. Eat enough healthy fats:
Fats are very important for normal functioning of your body. Where adequate fat requirements aren’t met, sugar cravings tend to crop up. Instead, add healthy fats that will lower your bad cholesterol. Examples include nuts, seeds, olive oil and avocado.
4. Eat low GI fruit & vegetables:
Fruits and vegetables that are low in sugar content are ideal, when trying to overcome sugar cravings. Fruit and vegetables can combat sugar cravings, though only those that are low glycemic index are ideal. Examples include berries, apples, cauliflower, celery, capsicum, cucumber etc.
5. Quit caffeine to reduce sugar cravings:
Caffeine triggers a surge in insulin levels and increases sugar cravings too. Want to combat sugar cravings? Reducing coffee to a maximum of one cup daily. Try green tea or healthy herbal alternatives instead!
6. Upgrade your regular foods for healthier choices:
Junk foods tend to increase sugar cravings, fat cravings or carbohydrate cravings. Instead, have a healthy and balanced diet and add healthier snack choices to your home. This way, you will meet the nutritional requirements of your body and avoid unwanted weight gain triggered by the wrong food choices.
7. Get some exercise:
Besides all the health benefits exercise has to offer, did you know it also improves insulin sensitivity? Since you need more energy to exercise, insulin receptors become more sensitive and as a result, blood sugar is more balanced. This is another good reason to exercise.
8. Find someone to hold you accountable:
Ok, this is just a way to keep you on track. If you have someone you respect and tend to listen to or feel accountable to, ask for their help and support. If you have behaviors that need changing around your eating habits then hire a coach trained in transformational coaching methods to assist change.
9. Drink plenty of water:
When you are dehydrated your body sends signals that resemble sugar cravings when in fact you’re just thirsty! Feel like having something sweet? Try drinking water first. If that does not satisfy your craving, try green tea, or water with a dash of lemon or lime juice! Not only will you be more healthy and avert the cravings for sugar, you might not binge on anything that’s unhealthy.
10. Take healthy options to parties or social events:
Parties and other social events are part and parcel of our lives. However, they are often accompanied with rich foods high in sugar and fat. To avoid over indulging you can take a healthy dish with you. Not only will the host be grateful, but also you can stand and munch on a beautiful platter full of colourful veggie sticks with a healthy dip like hummus or guacamole. Take a salad to a bbq and a big fruit salad if asked to provide dessert.
If you suffer from sugar cravings or struggle to maintain your energy why not try Functional Medicine Practitioner Lisa Snowdon's Sugar Detox. This will re-set your blood sugar, get you into fat burning mode, lift your mood and jump-start any healthy eating plan. Read more about my Sugar Detox here>>
